Hammerhands feels like a special piece. A strange, almost deliriously nostalgic piece of alternative folk from E.W. Harris has it pulling on your heartstrings from the very first vocal note. Harris’ performance is so refreshingly his own, an entirely unique approach and performance that’s not just exquisitely harmonic, but also wildly different from his contemporaries. Sitting in a rather strange but somehow palatable confluence between lo-fi, soul, and traditional folk, ‘Hammerhands’ is a landmark moment for this Brooklyn based song writer. It’s the first introduction to his latest collection and has been carefully crafted by award-winning producer and engineer Kia Eshghi.
I found myself so easily enamoured and mesmerised by the nuances of the production, the subtlety of the arrangement, and the evocative performance that Harris himself so easily delivers to you. It’s ever so poignant, touching and serenading you in its warm nostalgia. The way he sings that chorus line might be one of my favourite performances all year.